Do you have a Southwest Airlines credit sitting around, perhaps from a canceled flight or a fare difference? Don't let it go to waste! Using your Southwest credit is a fantastic way to save on future travel, but it can sometimes feel a bit like navigating a maze. Fear not, fellow traveler! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you can confidently apply your credit and jet off on your next adventure.
Let's start with a crucial question: Are you ready to explore the world (or at least another city in the US) with your Southwest credit? If the answer is a resounding YES!, then let's dive in!
Understanding Your Southwest Airlines Credit
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's essential to understand the different types of credit Southwest offers, as their rules and applicability can vary.
Types of Southwest Credit
Flight Credits (formerly Travel Funds): These are the most common type of credit. You receive them when you cancel a flight, or if you change a flight to a lower-priced itinerary. Flight credits are generally tied to the original passenger.
Expiration: For reservations booked on or before May 27, 2025, flight credits do not expire. However, for reservations booked and/or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, flight credits will have a specified expiration date. Basic fare flight credits expire within six months from the original booking date, while Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares receive Transferable Flight Credits™ which expire 12 months from the original booking date. If your flight was significantly disrupted, the credit may be valid for five years from the original booking date.
LUV Vouchers: These are usually issued as compensation for things like a significantly delayed flight, lost baggage, or volunteering to be bumped from an overbooked flight. LUV Vouchers often have a shorter expiration date, typically 6 months to 1 year from the issue date, and cannot be used for taxes and fees.
Transferable Flight Credits™: Introduced with the Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares (for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025), these are a game-changer! As the name suggests, you can transfer these credits to another Rapid Rewards Member, offering greater flexibility.
It's crucial to know which type of credit you have, as this will impact how you use it.
Step 1: Identify and Locate Your Credit Information
The very first thing you need to do is confirm you actually have a credit and find the necessary details to redeem it.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Flight Credits
For Flight Credits associated with your Rapid Rewards account:
Log In: Go to Southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
Navigate to My Account: Once logged in, click on "My Account" in the upper right corner (on desktop) or scroll down to "My Travel Funds" (on mobile and the Southwest app).
View Payment Section: Select "Payment" from the menu options within your account. Here, you should see a list of any available flight credits associated with your name and account number, along with their expiration dates.
For Flight Credits not linked to an account (e.g., if you haven't logged in, or it's an older credit): You'll generally need the original confirmation number of the canceled flight. If you don't have this, you might need to call Southwest Customer Service.
For LUV Vouchers: You'll need the voucher number and the security code printed on the voucher.
Sub-heading: Gathering Necessary Details
Before proceeding, make sure you have the following information handy:
Original confirmation number (for flight credits)
Passenger name from the original booking (for flight credits - it must match for non-transferable credits)
LUV Voucher number and security code (if applicable)
The new flight details you plan to book.
Step 2: Choosing Your Booking Method
Southwest offers several ways to book a flight and apply your credit. While the online method is generally the easiest, other options are available if you encounter issues.
Sub-heading: Booking Online (Recommended)
This is the most straightforward and common method.
Search for Your Flight: Go to Southwest.com and search for your desired flight as you normally would, entering your origin, destination, dates, and number of passengers.
Select Your Flight: Choose your preferred flight times and fare type (e.g., Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select).
Proceed to Payment: Continue through the booking process until you reach the "Payment" screen. This is where the magic happens!
Sub-heading: Booking Via Phone
If you prefer speaking with someone, have complex credit situations (like combining multiple credits that aren't automatically applying), or encounter online issues, calling Southwest Customer Service is a viable option.
Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792): Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Have your details ready: Provide your original confirmation number (for flight credits), LUV Voucher details, and the new flight information to the agent. They can manually apply your credit.
Sub-heading: Booking at the Airport Ticket Counter
While less common for using credits, you can also redeem your credit at a Southwest Airlines ticket counter. This is a good option if you're already at the airport or prefer in-person assistance.
Step 3: Applying Your Credit During Booking
This is the core of the process. Follow these steps carefully on the payment screen.
Sub-heading: Applying Flight Credits Online
Locate the "Apply Travel Funds" Section: On the payment screen, look for a section or button labeled something like "Apply Travel Funds," "Apply Flight Credit," or similar. It's usually located above the credit card payment section.
Enter Confirmation Number: You will be prompted to enter the original confirmation number associated with the flight credit you wish to use.
Enter Passenger Name: Input the first and last name of the passenger for whom the credit was originally issued. This is crucial for non-transferable flight credits, as the name must match the traveler on the new booking.
Apply Funds: Click "Apply Funds" or a similar button. The system will then attempt to apply the credit to your current booking.
Repeat for Multiple Credits (if applicable): Southwest generally allows you to use up to three forms of payment per person on each reservation. If you have multiple flight credits and the first one doesn't cover the full cost, you can repeat the process to add more. However, note the three-payment limit. If you have many small credits, you might consider calling customer service to have them consolidated (though this often involves a manual process on their end).
Sub-heading: Applying LUV Vouchers Online
Locate the "LUV Voucher" Section: On the payment screen, look for a dedicated section for LUV Vouchers, typically separate from Flight Credits.
Enter Voucher Number and Security Code: Carefully input the unique LUV Voucher number and its associated security code.
Apply Voucher: Click to apply the voucher. The value will be deducted from your total.
Important Note on LUV Vouchers: Remember that LUV Vouchers can be applied toward the flight cost but not for government-imposed taxes and fees. You will need another form of payment for these charges.
Step 4: Handling Remaining Balances or Excess Credit
Once you've applied your credit, there are a few scenarios you might encounter.
Sub-heading: If Your Credit Covers the Entire Cost
Congratulations! If your credit covers the entire flight cost (and any taxes/fees if you're using a method that covers them, like flight credits), your total will show as $0.00. You can then proceed to confirm your booking.
Sub-heading: If You Have a Remaining Balance
Pay the Difference: If your credit doesn't cover the full cost, you'll see a remaining balance. You'll need to pay this difference using another accepted form of payment, such as a credit card, PayPal, or a Southwest gift card.
Consider Multiple Forms of Payment: Remember the three-payment limit. If you've used two flight credits, you'll only have one more slot for a credit card or gift card.
Sub-heading: If You Have Excess Credit After Booking
Future Flight Credit: If your flight credit exceeds the cost of your new booking, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a new flight credit.
Important Expiration Note: Be aware of how the expiration date works in this scenario. If the original credit had an expiration date, the new credit may adopt that same expiration date, or a new one based on the original booking date of the new reservation (especially for credits created from bookings made on or after May 28, 2025). Always check the expiration date of any newly issued credit.
Step 5: Confirming Your Booking
After applying your credit and settling any remaining balance, it's time to finalize your travel plans.
Review All Details: Double-check all flight details, passenger information, and the total cost (ensuring your credit has been applied correctly).
Complete Booking: Click the "Purchase" or "Complete Booking" button.
Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with your new flight itinerary and confirmation number. Keep this email safe!
Important Considerations and Tips
Expiration Dates: Always pay close attention to expiration dates! While some older Southwest credits don't expire, newer ones, especially those generated from Basic fares, have specific expiration windows. Don't let your hard-earned credit vanish.
Name Match (Flight Credits): For non-transferable flight credits, the name on the credit must match the name of the passenger on the new booking. If you're trying to book for someone else with your flight credit, it won't work unless it's a Transferable Flight Credit™.
Transferable Flight Credits™: If you have a Transferable Flight Credit™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares booked on or after May 28, 2025), you can easily transfer it to another Rapid Rewards Member through your "My Account" section on Southwest.com. You'll need the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Combining Credits: Online, you are generally limited to three forms of payment per person per transaction. If you have more than three flight credits you want to use, or if their values are very small, it's often best to call Southwest Customer Service. They can sometimes combine smaller credits into one larger one, simplifying the booking process.
No Show Policy: If you don't cancel a flight booked with credit at least 10 minutes prior to its scheduled departure, you may forfeit the value of the credit. Always cancel if you can't make the flight!
Cancellations with Credits: If you cancel a flight that was booked using a credit, the funds will typically revert to a flight credit again, subject to the new expiration policies based on the fare type and original booking/change date.
Taxes and Fees for LUV Vouchers: Remember, LUV Vouchers do not cover taxes and fees. Plan to pay these separately.
Rapid Rewards Points vs. Credits: Flight credits and LUV Vouchers are different from Rapid Rewards points. You can sometimes combine Cash + Points for bookings, but typically you use credits or points, not both simultaneously for the same portion of the fare, unless specified otherwise by Southwest's "Cash + Points" option which allows combining points with other eligible forms of payment.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the balance and expiration of my Southwest credit?
You can check your flight credit balance and expiration by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com, navigating to "My Account," and then selecting the "Payment" section.
How to use multiple Southwest credits on one flight?
You can apply up to three forms of payment per person per reservation online. Each flight credit counts as one form of payment. If you have more than three, or wish to consolidate them, you may need to call Southwest Customer Service.
How to transfer a Southwest credit to another person?
Only Transferable Flight Credits™ (from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares booked on or after May 28, 2025) can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member through your "My Account" section on Southwest.com. Basic fare credits are generally non-transferable.
How to apply a Southwest LUV Voucher to a flight?
On the payment page during online booking, look for the "LUV Voucher" section. Enter your LUV Voucher number and security code. Remember LUV Vouchers cannot cover taxes and fees.
How to avoid Southwest credits from expiring?
For credits issued on or after May 28, 2025, you must complete travel by the specified expiration date (6 months for Basic fares, 12 months for Wanna Get Away Plus/Anytime/Business Select from original booking date). If you rebook with an expiring credit, the new credit (if any) may adopt the earlier expiration. Older credits (issued on or before May 27, 2025) do not expire.
How to get a refund for a flight booked with Southwest credit?
Generally, flights booked with non-refundable flight credits are not eligible for a cash refund. If you cancel such a flight, the funds will typically revert to a new flight credit, subject to current expiration policies. Refundable fares (Anytime, Business Select) booked with a credit may convert the credit to a Transferable Flight Credit™ upon cancellation.
How to use a Southwest credit if the original passenger name doesn't match?
For non-transferable flight credits (like those from Basic fares), the name on the credit must match the passenger on the new booking. If the name doesn't match, you cannot use that specific credit for a different person. Transferable Flight Credits™ are the exception.
How to combine several small Southwest credits into one?
While you can apply up to three credits online, if you have many small credits, it's often best to call Southwest Customer Service. They can sometimes assist in consolidating these credits into a single, larger flight credit.
How to use a Southwest credit if the flight is cheaper than the credit amount?
If your flight credit is more than the cost of your new booking, the remaining balance will typically be issued as a new flight credit. Be sure to note the expiration date of this new credit, as it may be tied to the original credit's terms or the original booking date of the new flight, depending on current policies.
How to contact Southwest Airlines for help with credit issues?
You can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). You can also find contact information and support options on their website, Southwest.com.
